Victims of domestic violence urged to speak out

Aug 15 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

A WASHING line bearing messages encouraging victims to speak out about domestic violence is the latest attempt to raise awareness about abuse in the home.

The clothes line was hung out at Wirral’s Pyramids shopping centre yesterday.

The new campaign, by Merseyside Police and Wirral Drug Alcohol Action Team, is groundbreaking in its approach as it attempts to address the close links between alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

Mindy Rutherford, manager of the DAAT team, said one of the aims is to warn perpetrators, and reassure victims that alcohol is not an excuse for domestic abuse.

Because domestic violence is a crime that happens behind closed doors, the campaign wanted to raise public awareness by bringing it out into the open.

Nationally, one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence within their lifetime, but the majority of attacks go unreported.

“Research suggests there is a link between alcohol and domestic violence, said Ms Rutherford. The message is clear. Know your limit, drink sensibly and keep your family safe from harm.”

Shoppers at the Pyramids centre in Birkenhead were encouraged to show their support for the campaign’s overall message: “There’s no excuse for domestic abuse.” Passers-by were asked to write personal anti-violence messages on clothing and hang them on the clothes line.

Merseyside police’s Area Commander for Wirral, Chief Superintendent Colin Matthews, said: “Domestic violence is a very real problem and locally the police have committed more officers to investigating offences and supporting victims.

“It is an issue which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society and has a wider impact, especially for the children of victims of violence.

“Merseyside Police are com-pletely committed to supporting victims and working with support agencies to make a real difference to improving personal safety. They have my assurance we are committed to a robust approach to reducing incidents in Wirral, by making arrests, by arresting those wanted on warrant for domestic violence, and by arresting offenders for breaching bail conditions.

“We recognise victims and witnesses need support in court proceedings and, with partner agencies, we will give victims the help and support needed throughout the court process.”

FOR confidential help or advice contact Wirral Alcohol Service on 0151 647 4999 or Wirral Family Safety Unit on 0151 606 5440, or to report an incident of domestic abuse contact Merseyside police on 0151 709 6010.